‎A medical panel appointed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is medically fit to stand trial on terrorism-related charges.

The panel’s findings were submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo. Portions of the report were read in open court, revealing that the ailments Kanu had complained of were not life-threatening and did not impair his ability to participate in legal proceedings.

The medical panel was constituted by the court following conflicting health reports submitted by Kanu’s personal physician and the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is currently being held. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, appointed the independent panel to objectively assess Kanu’s health and resolve the dispute.

Following the panel’s submission, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial will proceed without further delay. He scheduled six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to present and conclude his defence.

In a related development, the court granted a request by Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation with his client. The defence team had expressed concerns that their previous discussions were potentially monitored by the DSS, thereby infringing on attorney-client privilege.

Justice Omotosho ordered that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with only Kanu and his legal representatives present. The trial will resume the following day.

The court’s rulings mark a significant turn in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread attention both within and outside Nigeria. Kanu faces multiple charges including terrorism, secession, and incitement, all of which he has denied.

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a rigorous screening session held in the Senate Chamber.

The confirmation came after the upper legislative chamber convened as a Committee of the Whole, where Professor Amupitan was subjected to an extensive question-and-answer session. Lawmakers across party lines took turns interrogating the nominee on a range of national issues, particularly around electoral reforms, voter education, and the independence of the electoral body.

Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), provided detailed responses to the lawmakers’ questions, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, neutrality, and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was asked to “take a bow” — a traditional Senate practice signifying the conclusion of the confirmation hearing — and exited the chamber alongside his entourage. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the outcome of the screening would be formally communicated to him.

Following Amupitan’s departure, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges that had been earlier suspended to facilitate the screening. The motion was promptly seconded by the Senate Minority Leader and received unanimous approval through a voice vote.

The final confirmation of the nominee was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Senate President. With no dissenting voices, the appointment was officially ratified.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Senate President Akpabio declared.

Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s electoral body, as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle elections and broader electoral reforms. His tenure is expected to usher in a new chapter in INEC’s leadership, with stakeholders hoping for greater credibility, independence, and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.

•Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has declared his resignation today from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abraham Ngobere, along with 18 PDP lawmakers, also tendered their resignation from the opposition party.

Announcing the decision at an expanded State Executive Meeting in Yenagoa, Diri said that he would be leaving the party with members of his cabinet and majority of lawmakers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly including its Speaker Abraham Ngobere.

The atmosphere at the Executive Chambers, venue of the weekly Bayelsa State Executive Council Meeting was thick with anticipation ending the speculation of Governor Douye Diri’s intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

The rare presence of State lawmakers including its Speaker only heightened expectations.

They did not have to wait for too long as Governor Douye Diri shortly after kick-starting the meeting formally announced resignation of his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere praised Governor Douye Diri for making what he described as a bold decision in the interest of the State.

While, Governor Diri is yet to announce the party he would join, the People Democratic Party had in the past 29 years, enjoyed wide majority in Bayelsa state House of Assembly and it is not clear how many of them will defect to the APC or the ADC .